West Bromwich Albion face an almighty test on Friday evening as they play host to the Sky Bet Championship-blitzing and promotion-pushing Southampton at The Hawthorns.
A televised opportunity awaits Carlos Corberan and his men to showcase why Albion should be one of the three teams soaring to the Premier League. Not only would winning against the Saints send an impressive message, but it would move the Baggies seven points clear of the chasing pack before this weekend's round of fixtures.
Russell Martin's side, whose 61 goals scored this season can only be topped by league leaders Leicester City (68), are third in the Championship as it stands. The Saints have lost just five of their 31 matches this term, with 19 wins and seven draws accumulating to an impressive 64 points.
West Brom, in comparison, are on 52 points with 15 wins, seven draws and nine defeats in 31 fixtures. Rather crucially, Albion have a far superior defensive record than Southampton, with 29 goals conceded as opposed to 38. The Baggies have also won their last five successive home league matches, with four of the victories to nil.
For Albion to replicate that against one of the toughest oppositions in the league, Corberan is likely to make a couple of changes to reach what is probably his best available XI. Jed Wallace, for instance, could come back in after being rested against Cardiff City.
With that in mind, here's the West Brom lineup we think will challenge Southampton.
1. GK - Alex Palmer
Palmer looks so assured between the sticks, whether it be making simply saves or distributing the ball out from defence. | Getty Images
2. RB - Darnell Furlong
Furlong is effectively a guaranteed starter at this point as he’s established a dominance ahead of Pipa in the pecking order. | Getty Images
3. CB - Cedric Kipre
Kipre was arguably the best player on the field midweek. The same can be said about his entire season; the Ivorian has been superb. | Getty Images
4. CB - Semi Ajayi
Ajayi is back after finishing as a runner-up at AFCON. The Nigerian, a defensive battler, is likely to start games until Kyle Bartley returns from injury. | AFP via Getty Images